Guidance.help

Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

People classed as Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects. The skills rated most useful are operation and control, operations monitoring, and troubleshooting. One core duty is to monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when problems occur. The strongest interest signal is Realistic (7.0 of 7), then Conventional (4.2) and Investigative, which gives it the code RCI. Getting in usually takes a few months to a year of learning on the job, a level O*NET calls some preparation. If you want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, keep it on your list. If you need helping, teaching or caring for people, it may feel thin.

What they do

Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.

Main tasks

  • Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when problems occur.
  • Select and mount grinding wheels on machines, according to specifications, using hand tools and applying knowledge of abrasives and grinding procedures.
  • Set up and operate grinding or polishing machines to grind metal workpieces, such as dies, parts, and tools.
  • Inspect, feel, and measure workpieces to ensure that surfaces and dimensions meet specifications.
  • Perform basic maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating machine parts.
  • Remove finished workpieces from machines and place them in boxes or on racks, setting aside pieces that are defective.

Skills

  • Operation and Control
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Troubleshooting
  • Repairing
  • Monitoring
  • Equipment Maintenance

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on operation and control and operations monitoring.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You want helping people to be at the center of your work. Social rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Also called

  • Crankshaft Grinder
  • Cutter Grind Tool Technician (Cutter Grind Tool Tech)
  • Cutter Grinder
  • Grinder
  • Grinder Operator

Related careers

Is this your direction?

See how your interests line up with RCI and 906 other careers.

Take the career test

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.